|
|
|
|
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Miracle’s story: Make a miracle happen for a child this Valentine’s
By Ingrid Sears, Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Ball Committee
Feb 12, 2015 - 11:50:33 PM
|
Email this article
Mobile friendly page
|
Photos: Miracle Desruisseaux
|
Nassau, Bahamas -
A miracle is described as an event that cannot be explained by natural or scientific laws. It’s not every day that a miracle happens in the life of an individual.
In 2012, Lishara and Andre had a beautiful baby girl. They named her Miracle Desruisseaux. Miracle was born, against many odds; her mom had health challenges that could have affected her survival and Miracle’s. Yet, Miracle survived and was born. At birth, Miracle was diagnosed with congenital heart disease. She had 3 holes in her heart. She was diagnosed with a large ventricular septal defect (hole between the lower chambers of the heart), atrial septal defect (a hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart, and a large patent ductus arteriosus. She also had pulmonary hypertension (type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of your heart) with failure to thrive.
Miracle needed corrective surgeries, in order to survive. Each of the holes had to be repaired. Miracle’s was uninsured and her parents were not in a position to pay for three corrective heart surgeries. She needed help. Miracle’s parents were referred to the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation to seek help for Miracle. She was fortunate to have surgical ligation of the PDA, January 2013, at Princess Margaret Hospital. However, after the 1st surgery, Miracle continued with poor weight gain and failure to thrive. Her follow-up visit in July 2013, revealed significant growth and developmental delays. She needed to have the other holes repaired and also to be referred to a facility that deals with patients who suffer from pulmonary hypertension, which is not available in The Bahamas.
Thanks to the generosity of the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation, Miracle had the two remaining surgeries performed at Joe Dimagio Children’s Hospital, on December 12, 2013. Dr. Frank Scholl and team at Joe Dimagio Children’s Hospital attended to Miracle in the US, per medical referral.
Since Miracle received care, she has thrived and is developing as a healthy child, showing people the miracle that she truly is. Three weeks after surgery Miracle gained 3 pounds. Today, she is a busy toddler, living life carefree; embracing the moments.
When asked how Miracle’s experience has changed her life, Miracle’s mother, Lishara Charlton, stated that “It was hard seeing her go through it because she was a baby. Also, because I was sick, I did not want two persons in the house sick”.
Ms. Charlton went on to express her gratitude and encourage others to support the Heart Foundation. “I want to encourage people to support the Heart Foundation. They helped us. If there is anything you can’t do, they will help you. They are very nice people. They help to ensure all goes well. They didn’t let me down. Not everyone have the same heart condition: but they tried to help us. Please help them to help other children”.
The Annual Heart Ball is the major fundraiser to aid the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation. Under the theme “Affairs of the Heart…Sustaining Heart Beats One At A Time”, the Heart Ball Committee will host the
51st Annual Heart Ball. This event will be held
Valentine’s day,
February 14th, Melia Nassau Beach. Cocktails are at 7:15pm, dinner is at 8:30 pm. It’s a great opportunity to spend Valentine’s with a significant other, family and friends, while helping to repair the hearts of children. The event will be decorated by Symone’s Basket of Happiness, setting the atmosphere for an evening of love, laughter and good fun.
Highlights of the evening include: the presentation of the Lady Sassoon Golden Heart Award, the drawing of the Signature Raffle and the In-house Raffle, the Salus Project, and the Silent Auction. The grand raffle prize includes of a round-trip for two to London on British Airways. In addition to the prizes and surprises, guests can dance the night away to live music performed by the Ed Brice Orchestra, the S-G Band and the RBDF Dance Band.
To purchase ticket for this event, or to make donations to repair the hearts of other children, please call 327-0806 or email sassoonheart@gmail.com.
© Copyright 2015 by thebahamasweekly.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
